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| 03-02-2025 |
Market Info more info less info"Remarkably high potato prices this early in the season" (www.freshplaza.com – 28/01/2025) It is quiet in the potato market. This is what Jan Van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes tells us. "Since mid-December, prices have risen sharply. We were at 150 euros per ton of Fontane, but today it is 250 euros. There is little supply in the market, which makes it harder for Eastern and Southern Europe to keep up with our prices. As a result, demand drops a bit. If you have to tell your Greek or Tunisian customer, or whoever, every week that 50 euros per ton has been added, it just goes too fast. The market can't keep up with that." Jan is otherwise satisfied with the new crop of Belgian potatoes. "Everything came in fine. There were some storage problems, but we have those every year," he explains. "Those have been solved by now. Yields did vary from region to region, and sometimes even from plot to plot. This was mainly due to the planting time. For some, it was late March, and for others, early June. That certainly had an impact, but at the end of the day, I think we have more potatoes than last season." "Also, more free potatoes. Look, some growers harvested 40 tons per hectare and can only deliver their contracted volumes with that, but there is definitely more available for free trade than last year. I am convinced of that. I also hear it in Germany and France, which makes me a bit puzzled by the current high prices. It's great for the grower, but I didn't expect to be at such a price level this early in the season, especially given the harvest." So how is this possible? "It's hard to say. After all, the industry is also very quiet. They are not as desperate for potatoes as last year. Maybe traders are short, and if you're short today, you just have to pull out the wallet. And maybe it's also a bit of speculation from people because they would like to see prices go up a bit. I think in the first few weeks/months, we'll maintain the price level. Preservation is good. The problems are gone, so everyone with good preservation is waiting quietly." "For the last two seasons in a row, we've had to continue with old crop potatoes longer due to bad weather in spring. That led to prices of 500 to 600 euros per ton two years in a row, so I think those who don't feel the need to empty the shed will wait and see. How this will evolve toward the end of the season, I can't predict. Last year, because of problems with harvesting, we knew we were facing a potential shortage, so prices wouldn't drop again. However, I don't dare say that this season. We'll have to wait and see," Jan concludes. |
| 27-09-2024 |
Market Info more info less infoBelow the final results of the test liftings of our ‘Fontane’ contracts – crop 2024, together with those of the past 5 years :
Fontane 35 MM/+
2019 – week 39 : 47,2 tons/ha net weight - 79% ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 50,9 tons/ha net weight - 83% ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 39 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight - 80% ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 !! : 41,9 tons/ha net weight - 64% ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 39 : 61,8 tons/ha net weight - 89% ‘50 MM/+’
2024 – week 39 : 49,1 tons/ha net weight - 80% ‘50 MM/+’ * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following final result :
Challenger 35 MM/+
2019 – week 39 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight - 56% ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 48,8 tons/ha net weight - 67% ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 39 : 58,6 tons/ha net weight - 78% ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 !! : 45,6 tons/ha net weight - 53% ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 39 : 57,6 tons/ha net weight - 81% ‘50 MM/+’
2024 – week 39 : 47,1 tons/ha net weight - 84% ‘50 MM/+’ * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks
* Planting dates ‘Fontane’ between 10/05/2024 & 12/06/2024 * Planting dates ‘Challenger’ between 12/05/2024 & 25/06/2024 * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,1 % – Challenger 20,8 % * Senescence very heterogeneous (range 30% - half 100%) * These were our last test liftings of the 2024 crop |
| 15-09-2024 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years :
Fontane 35 MM/+
2019 – week 37 : 45,8 tons/ha net weight - 80% ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 49,1 tons/ha net weight - 86% ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight - 81% ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 : 41,9 tons/ha net weight - 64% ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 37 : 53,1 tons/ha net weight - 89% ‘50 MM/+’
2024 – week 37 : 47,8 tons/ha net weight - 76% ‘50 MM/+’ * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35 MM/+
2019 – week 37 : 45,7 tons/ha net weight - 56% ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 48,7 tons/ha net weight - 68% ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 59,1 tons/ha net weight - 80% ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 : 45,6 tons/ha net weight - 53% ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 37 : 47,1 tons/ha net weight - 76% ‘50 MM/+’
2024 – week 37 : 45,9 tons/ha net weight - 65% ‘50 MM/+’ * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks
* Planting dates ‘Fontane’ between 10/05/2024 & 12/06/2024 * Planting dates ‘Challenger’ between 12/05/2024 & 25/06/2024 * Very good tuberization * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,4 % – Challenger 20,2 % * Senescence very heterogeneous (range 10-80%) * Our next and final test liftings will be done during week 39 |
| 03-09-2024 |
Market info more info less info"Free trade in potatoes is currently few and far between" Freshplaza 30/08/2024 It is currently very quiet on the Belgian potato market. "Because of the late planting dates, everything has become compacted. Everything that comes out of the ground now goes to the industry: contracts are filled, but that's it. There is vey little free trade, if at all. It is not yet running how it should," says Jan Van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes. "It has all still to start," he continues. "We are in the period of early potatoes, which I know from experience that the hedging of the industry is very high. It's like that every year. Once we get into October and we go into the other varieties, that hedging gets a little smaller. But this is what you have with the early potatoes." "I have even heard from some growers that they have already been allowed to drop their contract, but the rest remain on plan for now. The main harvest won't come until mid-October. Many lots only went into the ground during the first half of June. You have to add between 120 and 150 cultivation days to that, so it will be a lot later now. It can't be otherwise." The specialist is moderately positive about the new crop, though. "Our trial harvest figures are quite promising in terms of tonnage. Whether that is good for the market is a different thing, but fairly good yields will be achieved, I expect. I don't think we will achieve figures from last year. They were very high then, but then, of course, we had other problems with lifting. Nevertheless, yields do seem to be coming in OK. You have to keep in mind that there are also plots with quite a few problems, which were not included in our trial harvest figures. Late planed plots with small yields. Those plots are therefore a lot less, but on the other hand, the acreage in Europe is also a lot larger, so one might cancel out the other." So it's a bit of a wait and see at the moment, according to Jan. "The early potatoes, which were planted on 'normal' dates, are now gone, but now the late-planted ones are following and they still need time. Therefore, there is also a bit less pressure on the supply side at the moment, but I fear that within 2-3 weeks there will be a bit of pressure on that market again. By 1 October, we will certainly still be harvesting early potatoes, but by then the storage varieties will also start pushing. We will then probably see a similar phenomenon to last year, where there was just too much supply and the price couldn't keep up. I fear we will see it again this season. However, in August you always have to be careful with predictions, because a lot can still happen. Remember 2023." |
| 23-08-2024 |
Market Info – 26 August 2024 : more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : |
| 07-08-2024 |
Market Info more info less infoMarket Info – 5 August 2024 : Every year during week 31, we do test liftings of our contracts ‘Fontane’. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2019 – week 31 : 30,2 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 31 : No results due to Covid 2021 – week 31 : 36,1 tons/ha net weight with 58 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 31 : 32,5 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 31 : No results due to very late plantings 2024 – week 31 : 24,1 tons/ha net weight with 35 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (26,5 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Due to the late planting dates, the first results of our contracts ‘Challenger’ will be published after week 34.
Remarks * Planting dates ‘Fontane’ between 10/05/2024 & 12/06/2024 * Average dry matter : Fontane 18,2 % * Our next test liftings will be done during week 34. |
| 07-08-2024 |
Market Info more info less info"Last year, planting was also done very late, but ultimately, we ended up with good yields" The wet spring is currently causing a lot of unrest among potato growers. In the Netherlands and Belgium, some areas are already talking about a disaster, as a lot of produce has not yet been planted. It's understandable that there are concerns, says Jan Van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes, but the trader indicates that there is no reason for panic regarding the new harvest. "Last year we also saw very late planting, but eventually, we ended up with beautiful yields. The fact that we couldn't harvest them all at the time is another story, but a lot depends on the coming months," he states. "At this moment, the estimate is that about 50 percent has been planted in Belgium," Jan continues. "Yet, the weather forecast for the coming days and weeks seems to be heading in the right direction for now. I hope it stays that way, because the forecasts are as variable as the weather itself these days. It's hard to make predictions. Last year, most planting took place between May 20 and 25, which was already considered very late. So, it says little about the yields. We are even later now, but what was planted in April has had perfect potato weather up until today. The same scenario could unfold for the potatoes being planted this week. It really depends on what the weather will do. It's too early for definitive conclusions." But it's clear that it needs to start drying up gradually, he states. "You could still plant by mid-June, but then it's a matter of watching the end date. That's the problem. In any case, we're already in the second half of October before the potatoes are in storage. That's an increased risk. But then again, we could have a dry October. However, given what happened last year with rainfall, people are understandably a bit scared. If planting does succeed, and we get 'potato weather', the risk is that the plants could still be very green by mid-October. Then they have to be killed off to utilize their full potential, because everything needs to be harvested on time. There are many ifs and buts, but I certainly wouldn't talk about a disaster yet." Calendar agriculture Limited free potatoes "The intention was to start fully with the new early potatoes by week 30," Jan explains. "There might already be something available by that time, but to have the full industry running on it, that will be too early. There will be potatoes, but it's in nobody's interest to harvest plots in week 30 that only yield 25 tons per hectare. So, everything will be a bit delayed. This is also a copy of last year. The early potatoes will be used a bit longer, after which around October, normally a Fontane month, everything comes at once. Last year, you saw that there was too little capacity to process everything, and we run a bit of that risk again this year." |
| 05-03-2024 |
Market info more info less info"The potato market is seemingly at an impasse" (Freshplaza 26/02/2024) Those in the potato market are playing their cards close to their chests, explains Jan Van Luchene from the Belgian company Bruwier Potatoes. "The market has been trending upward significantly since the New Year, and in a rapidly rising market, sellers hold off on selling their free potatoes. Exports are also at a standstill due to high prices. The result seems to be a sort of impasse in the market," he begins. Belgian potatoes had an unusual fall. Due to heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, the harvest remained in the fields for an extended period. "Not everything has been harvested yet, and won't be anymore. Losses in Belgium are estimated at around seven percent, slightly more in Flanders than in Wallonia. There were quite a few storage problems, but these have since been resolved. These days, there are only good quality potatoes in storage." "However, that means people are waiting to sell. On the one hand, they know part of the harvest is lost. On the other, they look outside and see it's still wet. Next month, everyone should be back in the fields to start work, but one begins to wonder if that will be possible. We're not there yet, but thoughts are already moving in that direction. Last year was the same, so prices spiked considerably. People think it could happen again this year, so they're waiting to see what happens," says Jan. "The market has been sharply rising since the New Year. Typically, as long as that continues, there are no sellers. The only difference from last year is that yields were meager then. So, there were only a few free potatoes. This year, despite the losses, yields have been excellent, resulting in a considerable amount of free potatoes. Those factors benefit those with free potatoes, hence the current stalemate." The current potato market is, therefore, very quiet. "There's virtually zero export demand. Many Dutch exporters tell me that, too. Many destinations drop out at such price levels. In the Balkans, they turn to Eastern Europe. Yes, that quality is lower, but those potatoes are cheaper. People are more quickly satisfied with inferior quality if prices differ so much. Like last year, there's very little trade," Jan continues. He dare not predict what will happen in the coming months. "It's very hard to say. Normally, after a few wet days, there's a greater chance of drier weather, but we don't know. The weather has been against us since last March, and everyone's a bit fed up with it. It could improve, though, and then the market might pick up." Whether imported potatoes will have an effect is also hard to say. "We're not importers, but I can imagine that, given the current high prices, imports from Southern Europe or Egypt could become a very attractive alternative for certain markets. We'll have to wait and see how things go," Jan concludes. |
| 02-10-2023 |
Market Info more info less infoBelow the final results of the test liftings of our ‘Fontane’ contracts – crop 2023, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2018 – week 39 : 44,3 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 39 : 47,2 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 50,9 tons/ha net weight with 83 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 39 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 !! : 41,9 tons/ha net weight with 64 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 39 : 61,8 tons/ha net weight with 89 % in ‘50 MM/+’
* Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following final result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 39 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 48,8 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 39 : 58,6 tons/ha net weight with 78 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 !! : 45,6 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 39 : 57,6 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’
* Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Less tubers per plant than in previous years * Range yield Fontane : 43,6 – 77,6 tons/ha net * Range yield Challenger : 41,7 – 79,6 tons/ha net * Average dry matter : Fontane 20,4 % – Challenger 22,4 % * Hollow hearts in a big part of ’Fontane 90 MM/+’ * Senescence very heterogeneous (range 40-100%) * These were our last test liftings of the 2023 crop |
| 16-09-2023 |
Market info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2018 – week 37 : 39,4 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 37 : 45,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 49,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 : 41,9 tons/ha net weight with 64 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 37 : 53,1 tons/ha net weight with 89 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (53,8 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 37 : 45,7 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 48,7 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 59,1 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 37 : 45,6 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 37 : 47,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (48,1 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Less tubers per plant than in previous years * Average dry matter : Fontane 20,5 % – Challenger 21,9 % * A few hollow hearts in ’70 MM/+’ * Senescence very heterogeneous (range 10-60%) * Our next and final test liftings will be done during week 39 |
| 28-08-2023 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2018 – week 34 : 30,9 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 71 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 41,4 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 34 : 49,2 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 34 : 39,0 tons/ha net weight with 64 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 34 : 43,8 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (44,3 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35/+ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 51 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 39,8 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 34 : 51,4 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 34 : 42,5 tons/ha net weight with 59 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2023 – week 34 : 33,6 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (34,1 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Less tubers per plant than in previous years * Average dry matter : Fontane 19,0 % – Challenger 19,5 % * Minor secondary growth on a few Fontane fields * 2 very late planted fiels in results Challenger * Barely any senescence : potential huge * Our next test liftings will be done during week 37 |
| 28-08-2023 |
Market Info more info less info"Disappointing results now, but main new potato crop looks promising (www.freshplaza.com – 16 Aug. 2023)" Much has been written about the possible issues with the new Belgian potato crop. While many holidaymakers were disappointed by the July rain, it did the potatoes very well, explains Jan Van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes. "Until mid-July, we seemed to be heading for a catastrophic harvest, but the rain changed that entirely for the main crop and the late-potted semi-early potatoes," he assures us. "The potatoes being grubbed now distort the picture. The results of everything - mainly early potatoes - planted in April are indeed particularly disappointing. However, that's only a small part of the new crop. Consider those planted in May, and it looks very promising, yield-wise," says Jan. "Even those batches that went into the ground in early May and didn't initially look so good have caught up, thanks to the rain. When it comes to weight per hectare, there are plenty of pessimists in the market. But, as of late, I'm not one of them, especially regarding the main crop." Different situation within a fortnight "I wish that for all growers, but fear the situation will change in two to three weeks. I'm going off what I've seen in the field. The semi-early plants still have lush foliage. Late last week, I saw some Fontane batches for the first time. There, yields are predicted to be between 34 and 39 tons net. Everything's looking nice and green, so there's still much potential." According to Jan, the quality looks good too. "It's still hard to say exactly how it will go, but the potatoes' quality seems good. There aren't enough tubers per bush, but that means they'll be quite large—that benefits processing. We, thus, don't foresee many problems for now, and given the weather forecast, I don't expect much to change in the coming weeks either," he says. Bottleneck at factories "After last season's expensive lesson, the industrial sector no doubt decided to hedge more by closing more deals. That's an added factor. With the contract prices offered, that will have happened, too," Jan continues. "Since there's better coverage, the factories can move more quietly in the market. I hope grower prices will remain as good as they are, but worry that won't stay as evident." Into storage later |
| 03-10-2022 |
Markt Info more info less infoFrom November, buying potatoes on the spot market will become difficult Jan Van Luchene, Bruwier Potatoes: The drought in Europe means, this season, there will be far lower potato yields in Belgium and France. "We do yearly trial harvests, and what we feared has happened this year. Yields were poor in 2018, but this year's worse," Jan Van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes says. That complicates things for off land sales, says the Belgian trader. "Current prices are so high, growers with free potatoes are very tempted to sell now, get a good price, and keep storage costs at zero. But those traders who don't want to store such expensive potatoes, and the industry, traditionally the largest buyer, always buy well off land." There are minimal quality issues. "Overall, it looks good with very few rejects. The potatoes are a bit smaller this season, though, and with the high underwater weights, harvest damage could still be a problem. But there's no way to say for sure until everything is harvested. Fortunately, we've recently had sufficient rain again to harvest. That's been very difficult for two months because of the drought. Dryer weather is predicted for next week. So we're gradually moving toward ideal storage conditions," Jan continues. "Hard to buy free potatoes from November" "It's clear that no potatoes will remain at the end of the season. It's perhaps somewhat premature to speak of a shortage. From November onwards, it won't be easy to buy free potatoes. Added to that, no European country can claim good harvests," Jan explains. "The only exceptions are small parts of the Netherlands and northern Germany. But those potatoes aren't going to make it to the rest of Europe. That will mean many inquiries, resulting in plenty of movement in the export market. The question, however, remains whether such expensive prices will be affordable for everyone." Growing grain
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| 17-09-2022 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2017 – week 37 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 87 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 39,4 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 37 : 45,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 49,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2022 – week 37 : 41,9 tons/ha net weight with 64 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (40,5 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 37 : 45,7 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 48,7 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 59,1 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2022 – week 37 : 45,6 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (43,5 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * No irrigated fields in the above results * Average dry matter : Fontane 23,9 % – Challenger 23,3 % * Secondary growth on 1 field Fontane / 1 field Challenger * Average senescence Fontane 86% (range 70-100%) * Average senescence Challenger 84% % (range 70-100%) * Given the advanced state of the vegetation, these were our final test liftings. |
| 17-09-2022 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2017 – week 37 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 87 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 39,4 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 37 : 45,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 49,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2022 – week 37 : 41,9 tons/ha net weight with 64 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (40,5 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 37 : 45,7 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 48,7 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 59,1 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2022 – week 37 : 45,6 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (43,5 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * No irrigated fields in the above results * Average dry matter : Fontane 23,9 % – Challenger 23,3 % * Secondary growth on 1 field Fontane / 1 field Challenger * Average senescence Fontane 86% (range 70-100%) * Average senescence Challenger 84% % (range 70-100%) * Given the advanced state of the vegetation, these were our final test liftings. |
| 26-08-2022 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2017 – week 34 : 51,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 34 : 30,9 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 71 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 41,4 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 34 : 49,2 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2022 – week 34 : 39,0 tons/ha net weight with 64 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (40,5 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 51 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 39,8 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 34 : 51,4 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2022 – week 34 : 42,5 tons/ha net weight with 59 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (44,8 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * No irrigated fields in the above results * Average dry matter : Fontane 23,3 % – Challenger 23,2 % * Secondary growth on 2 fields Fontane * Average senescence Fontane 71% (range 40-90%) * Average senescence Challenger 58% % (range 40-70%) * Our next test liftings will be done during week 37. |
| 10-08-2022 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 31, we do test liftings of our contracts ‘Fontane’. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2017 – week 31 : 43,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 31 : 28,1 tons/ha net weight with 52 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 31 : 30,2 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 31 : No results due to Covid 2021 – week 31 : 36,1 tons/ha net weight with 58 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 31 : 32,5 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (34,2 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Below the first results of our contracts ‘Challenger’ : Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 31 : 29,0 tons/ha net weight with 32 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 31 : No results due to Covid 2021 – week 31 : 34,7 tons/ha net weight with 45 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2022 – week 31 : 35,2 tons/ha net weight with 47 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (38,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 23,0 % – Challenger 22,1 % * No secondary growth * Average senescence : Fontane 43% – Challenger 30% * Our next test liftings will be done during week 34. |
| 04-10-2021 |
Market info more info less infoBelow the final results of the test liftings of our ‘Fontane’ contracts – crop 2021, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 62,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 39 : 44,3 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 39 : 47,2 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 50,9 tons/ha net weight with 83 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 39 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (53,2 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following final result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 39 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 48,8 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 39 : 58,6 tons/ha net weight with 78 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (59,4 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,1 % - Challenger 20,9 % * Hollow hearts in almost all Fontane (4 to 26%) and in ¾ of Challenger (5 to 27%) * ‘Bintje’ : 51,7 tons/ha with 67 % ‘50 MM/+’ and 20,6 % DM |
| 20-09-2021 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 37 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 87 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 39,4 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 37 : 45,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 49,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (53,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 37 : 45,7 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 48,7 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2021 – week 37 : 59,1 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (59,7 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 21,2 % - Challenger 20,6 % * Hollow hearts in almost all Fontane (3 to 35%) and in ¾ of Challenger (4 to 24%) * ‘Bintje’ : 51,9 tons/ha with 70 % ‘50 MM/+’ and 20,4 % DM * Remaining growth potential limited * Our next (and final) test liftings will be done during week 39. |
| 28-08-2021 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2016 – week 34 : 42,3 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 34 : 51,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 34 : 30,9 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 71 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 41,4 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2021 – week 34 : 49,2 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (50,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 51 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 39,8 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2021 – week 34 : 51,4 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (52,6 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 20,6 % - Challenger 19,6 % * Hollow hearts in all Fontane (3 to 11%) and in half of the Challenger (6 to 16%) * ‘Bintje’ : 47,6 tons/ha with 60 % ‘50 MM/+’ and 19,9 % DM * Our next test liftings will be done during week 37. |
| 06-08-2021 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 31, we do test liftings of our contracts ‘Fontane’. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2016 – week 31 : 30,3 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 31 : 43,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 31 : 28,1 tons/ha net weight with 52 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 31 : 30,2 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 31 : No results due to Covid 2021 – week 31 : 36,1 tons/ha net weight with 58 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (37,3 tons in 0/+)
Below the first results of our contracts ‘Challenger’ :
Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 31 : 29,0 tons/ha net weight with 32 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 31 : No results due to Covid 2021 – week 31 : 34,7 tons/ha net weight with 45 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (36,5 tons in 0/+)
Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 18,3 % – Challenger 17,9 % * ‘Bintje’ : 31,8 tons/ha with 43 % ‘50 MM/+’ and 18,0 % DM * Our next test liftings will be done during week 34.
|
| 28-09-2020 |
Market Info more info less infoBelow the final results of the test liftings of our ‘Fontane’ contracts – crop 2020, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2015 – week 39 : 51,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 62,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 39 : 44,3 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 39 : 47,2 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 50,9 tons/ha net weight with 83 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (51,7 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result : Challenger 35/+
2019 – week 39 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 39 : 48,8 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (50,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Yield Fontane heterogeneous : min. 42,8 tons – max. 63,5 tons * Yield Challenger less various : min. 42,5 tons – max. 56,4 tons * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,4 % - Challenger 22,2 % * Very moderate secondary growth : 4 fields Fontane in 20 – 1 field Challenger in 16 * Numbers 9 fields Bintje : 41,8 tons/ha. – 59% 50/+ – DM 21,5% – no secondary growth (foliage dead before the August heatwave) |
| 14-09-2020 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2015 – week 37 : 49,8 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 37 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 87 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 39,4 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 37 : 45,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 49,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (50,2 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result : Challenger 35/+ 2019 – week 37 : 45,7 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 37 : 48,7 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (49,9 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Yield Fontane heterogeneous : min. 38,8 tons – max. 69,7 tons * Yield Challenger less various * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,4 % - Challenger 22,2 % * Secondary growth : 1 field Fontane in 20 – 1 field Challenger in 16 * Growth potential : Fontane limited – Challenger close to zero * Our next (and final) test liftings will be done during week 39. |
| 21-08-2020 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2015 – week 34 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 34 : 42,3 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 34 : 51,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 34 : 30,9 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 71 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 41,4 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (42,1 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Our test liftings of the variety ‘Challenger’ gave us the following result : Challenger 35/+ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 51 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2020 – week 34 : 39,8 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (40,9 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,8 % - Challenger 22,6 % * Our next test liftings will be done during week 37. |
| 30-09-2019 |
Market Info more info less infoBelow the final results of the test liftings of our ‘Fontane’ contracts – crop 2019, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2014 – week 37 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 39 : 51,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 62,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 39 : 44,3 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 39 : 47,2 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (48,1 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % As the acreage of the variety ‘Bintje’ is getting smaller and smaller by the year, we will from this season onwards as a replacement sample the variety ‘Challenger’, of which the final results below : Challenger 35/+ 2019 – week 39 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (51,2 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Yield Challenger very heterogeneous : min. 38 tons – max. 72 tons * Size Challenger likewise : min. 29 % – max. 85 % ’50 MM/+’ * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,5 % - Challenger 23,2 % * Average glassy tubers : Fontane 0,71 % - Challenger 0,80 % |
| 16-09-2019 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2014 – week 37 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 37 : 49,8 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 37 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 87 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 39,4 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 37 : 45,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (47,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % As the acreage of the variety ‘Bintje’ is getting smaller and smaller by the year, we will from this season onwards as a replacement sample the variety ‘Challenger’, of which the first results below : Challenger 35/+ 2019 – week 37 : 45,7 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (47,7 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Yield Challenger very heterogeneous : min. 33 tons – max. 66 tons * Size Challenger likewise : min. 23 % – max. 80 % ’50 MM/+’ * Average dry matter : Fontane 22,8 % - Challenger 23,0 % * Average glassy tubers : Fontane 0,43 % - Challenger 1,21 % * Senescence : Fontane 60 % - Challenger 55 % * Our next (and final) test liftings will be done during week 39. |
| 26-08-2019 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2014 – week 34 : 59,2 tons/ha net weight with 84 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 34 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 34 : 42,3 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 34 : 51,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 34 : 30,9 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 71 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (41,1 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % As the acreage of the variety ‘Bintje’ is getting smaller and smaller by the year, we will from this season onwards as a replacement sample the variety ‘Challenger’, of which the first results below : Challenger 35/+ 2019 – week 34 : 39,7 tons/ha net weight with 51 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (41,5 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 21,1 % - Challenger 21,4 % * Secondary growth in all ‘Bintje’ fields, minimal in ‘Fontane’ and ‘Challenger’ fields. * Senescence : Fontane 28 % - Challenger 22 %. * Our next test liftings will be done during week 37. |
| 02-08-2019 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 31, we do test liftings of our ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Fontane 35/+ 2014 – week 31 : 49,4 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 31 : 31,2 tons/ha net weight with 47 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 31 : 30,3 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 31 : 43,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 31 : 28,1 tons/ha net weight with 52 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2019 – week 31 : 30,2 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (32,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % As the acreage of the variety ‘Bintje’ is getting smaller and smaller by the year, we will from this season onwards as a replacement sample the variety ‘Challenger’, of which the first results below : Challenger 35/+ 2019 – week 31 : 29,0 tons/ha net weight with 32 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (32,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Average dry matter : Fontane 21,1 % – Challenger 19,8 % * Secondary growth in almost all ‘Bintje’ fields. * Our next test liftings will be done during week 34. |
| 27-09-2018 |
NOG TE VERTALEN - (Marktinfo) more info less infoBelow the final results of the test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts – crop 2018, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2013 – week 37 : 48,3 tons/ha net weight with 74 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 37 : 56,4 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 39 : 49,4 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 41,5 tons/ha net weight with 55 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 48,8 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 34,2 tons/ha net weight with 50 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (37,0 tons in 0/+)
Fontane 35/+ 2013 – week 37 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 37 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 39 : 51,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 62,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 39 : 44,3 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (46,0 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Average dry matter : Bintje 19,1 % – Fontane 21,4 % * Average glassy tubers : Bintje 6,8 % – Fontane 0,6 % |
| 16-09-2018 |
Market info more info less infoBelow the results of the test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts – crop 2018, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ - Final results !! 2013 – week 37 : 48,3 tons/ha net weight with 74 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 37 : 56,4 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 39 : 49,4 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 41,5 tons/ha net weight with 55 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 48,8 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 34,2 tons/ha net weight with 50 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (37,0 tons in 0/+) Fontane 35/+ 2013 – week 37 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 37 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 37 : 49,8 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 62,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 37 : 39,4 tons/ha net weight with 73 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (40,7 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Average dry matter : Bintje 19,1 % – Fontane 20,8 % * Average glassy tubers : Bintje 6,8 % – Fontane 0,5 % * For Bintje, the above results are final results. * The next and final test lifting of Fontane will be done during week 39.
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| 27-08-2018 |
Market info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2013 – week 34 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 34 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 34 : 42,0 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 34 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 55 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 34 : 41,9 tons/ha net weight with 59 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 34 : 25,5 tons/ha net weight with 41 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (28,4 tons in 0/+) Fontane 35/+ 2013 – week 34 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 34 : 59,2 tons/ha net weight with 84 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 34 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 34 : 42,3 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 34 : 51,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2018 – week 34 : 30,9 tons/ha net weight with 60 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (32,3 tons in 0/+) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Average dry matter : Bintje 19,1 % – Fontane 20,2 % * Secondary growth in almost all ‘Bintje’ fields and in 50% of the ‘Fontane’ fields. * Senescence : Bintje 50% - Fontane 30% * Our next test liftings will be done during week 37. |
| 30-09-2017 |
Market Info more info less infoBelow the final results of the test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts – crop 2017, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2012 – week 37 : 40,3 tons/ha net weight with 44 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 – week 37 : 48,3 tons/ha net weight with 74 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 37 : 56,4 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 39 : 49,4 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 41,5 tons/ha net weight with 55 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 48,8 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 19,6 %)
Fontane 35/+ 2012 – week 37 : 45,4 tons/ha net weight with 63 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 – week 37 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 – week 37 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – week 39 : 51,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 – week 37 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 – week 39 : 62,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 20,3 %) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Remarks * Glassy tubers in almost all ‘Bintje’ fields . Dry matter in ‘Bintje’ often insufficient. * Quality of ‘Fontane’ close to perfection. * Not only an increase of the average yield, but also of the potato surface in the EU-5 (+ 5 %) à 2017 gives us a looooooooooot of potatoes ! |
| 28-08-2017 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2012 : 38,1 tons/ha net weight with 39 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 42,0 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 55 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 : 41,9 tons/ha net weight with 59 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 19,2 %) Fontane 35/+ 2012 : 40,6 tons/ha net weight with 57 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 59,2 tons/ha net weight with 84 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 : 42,3 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2017 : 51,1 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 20,5 %) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Second growth in almost all ‘Bintje’ fields – negligible in ‘Fontane’. * Still a lot of growth potential in 90 % of the fields. * Our next test liftings will be taken at the end of week 37. The results will be published on 18 Sept. |
| 27-12-2016 |
Potato company Bruwier: “Price for processing varieties will not fluctuate much till spring” more info less infoJan van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes, a Belgian company specialized in acquiring and delivering the potatoes you need offers his view of the current potato market in Belgium and Europe. "Good prices are currently given on the potato market, and I do not expect that will change soon. The high prices could persist until spring for industry strains in particular."
"Cultivators consider these stories when selling the potatoes." He indicates that the situation is remarkable. "You often see prices on the fresh market that are higher than those on the industry market, but demand on the fresh market is very low right now. Consumption strains for the fresh market are currently selling cheaper." This is caused by a combination of factors. "First of all, demand is low, and besides, the strains concerned are meant just for the fresh market, and not the industry market. Demand from industry is somewhat better, but before potato farmers can supply that market, they first have to make sure they can meet all of their contractual volumes."
"I do not see the market changing until then. Imagine if we have a late spring, we will certainly keep those 25 euro at least. It could possible even increase."
"Potatoes arrive from Germany, the UK and Poland. Industry is not standing still, they are looking for solutions, and get their products elsewhere. The harvest in Western Europe was bad in general, but good in Eastern Europe. But they have less money for it."
"And that has come true. Demand is disappointing. There is hardly any export because we are too expensive, and we are also offering a product with lesser quality for that money." Source: AGF Nieuws / FreshPlaza / Bruwier Potatoes |
| 19-09-2016 |
Market Info more info less infoEvery year during week 37, we do test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2011 : 54,9 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 40,3 tons/ha net weight with 44 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 48,3 tons/ha net weight with 74 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 56,4 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – Wk 37: 51,2 tons/ha net weight with 66 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – Wk 39: 49,4 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2016 : 41,5 tons/ha net weight with 55 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 21,5 %) Fontane 35/+ 2011 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 93 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 45,4 tons/ha net weight with 63 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – Wk 37: 47,9 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 – Wk 39: 51,8 tons/ha net weight with 80 % in ‘50 MM/+’
2016 : 48,4 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 24,3 %) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Percentage of waste (growth cracks and misshapen) in Fontane a lot higher than in normal years ; situation with Bintje quite normal. * As we don’t expect any additional growth, these are our final results for the 2016 crop. |
| 29-08-2016 |
Market Info more info less infoMarket Info – 29 August 2016 : Every year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2011 : 51,0 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 38,1 tons/ha net weight with 39 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 42,0 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 55 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 21,3 %) Fontane 35/+ 2011 : 58,2 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 40,6 tons/ha net weight with 57 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 59,2 tons/ha net weight with 84 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2016 : 42,3 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (Dry matter : 23,2 %) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % Remarks * Percentage of waste (growth cracks and misshapen) higher than in normal years + clearly higher in Fontane than in Bintje. * Senescence more advanced in Bintje than in Fontane. Due to the lack of rain in recent days small chance of important additional growth in September. Our next test liftings will be taken during week 37. The results will be published on 19/09. |
| 28-09-2015 |
Market Info more info less infoBelow, you can find the new and final results of the test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts, taken during week 39 : Bintje 35/+ 2010 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2011 : 54,9 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2012 : 40,3 tons/ha net weight with 44 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2013 : 48,3 tons/ha net weight with 74 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2014 : 56,4 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2015 : 49,4 tons/ha net weight with 61 % in ‘50 MM/+’ Fontane 35/+ 2010 : 51,7 tons/ha net weight with 82 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2011 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2012 : 45,4 tons/ha net weight with 57 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2013 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2014 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 84 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (figures week 37!) 2015 : 54,1 tons/ha net weight with 83 % in ‘50 MM/+’ * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % |
| 14-09-2015 |
Market Info more info less infoAfter 3 weeks, we once more did test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts during week 37. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2010 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2011 : 54,9 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 40,3 tons/ha net weight with 44 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 48,3 tons/ha net weight with 74 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 56,4 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 51,2 tons/ha net weight with 66 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (+ 9,2 tons in the last 20 days)
Fontane 35/+ 2010 : 51,7 tons/ha net weight with 82 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2011 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 45,4 tons/ha net weight with 57 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 84 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 49,8 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (+ 9,3 tons in the last 20 days) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Our Bintje results unchangedly continue to show higher yields than those of Fontane. The main reasons for this remain the same : * Bintje plants carry considerably more tubers than Fontane plants. * Due to the adverse growing conditions all through spring and summer, the quality and the structure of the field + the amount of rain are very likely to be more determining factors than the variety itself.
In 2 weeks from now, we’ll put our new and final results online on our website.
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| 26-08-2015 |
Market info more info less infoEvery year during week 34, we do test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts. Below are our results, together with those of the past 5 years : Bintje 35/+ 2010 : 39,6 tons/ha net weight with 49 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2011 : 51,0 tons/ha net weight with 79 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 38,1 tons/ha net weight with 39 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 69 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight with 68 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 42,0 tons/ha net weight with 53 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (+ 12,3 tons in the last 19 days)
Fontane 35/+ 2010 : 44,8 tons/ha net weight with 82 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2011 : 58,2 tons/ha net weight with 91 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 40,6 tons/ha net weight with 57 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight with 76 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 59,2 tons/ha net weight with 84 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2015 : 40,5 tons/ha net weight with 75 % in ‘50 MM/+’ (+ 9,3 tons in the last 19 days) * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 %
Surprisingly, our Bintje results momentarily give a higher yield than those of Fontane, due to a number of reasons : * Bintje plants carry considerably more tubers than Fontane plants. * A few fields of Bintje give a yield over 55 tons, pushing the average figure up. * A few fields of Fontane give a yield of 30 tons or even less, pushing the average figure down. * Due to the adverse growing conditions all through spring and summer, the quality and the structure of the field + the amount of rain are very likely to be more determining factors than the variety itself. |
| 26-09-2014 |
Market Info more info less info
Below are the new and final results of the test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts, together with those of the past 4 years : Bintje 35/+ 2010 : 49,3 tons/ha net weight with 56 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2011 : 54,9 tons/ha net weight with 81 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 40,3 tons/ha net weight with 44 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 48,3 tons/ha net weight with 74 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 56,4 tons/ha net weight with 67 % in ‘50 MM/+’ Fontane 35/+ 2010 : 51,7 tons/ha net weight with 85 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2011 : 60,0 tons/ha net weight with 93 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2012 : 45,4 tons/ha net weight with 63 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2013 : 52,7 tons/ha net weight with 77 % in ‘50 MM/+’ 2014 : 61,0 tons/ha net weight with 86 % in ‘50 MM/+’ * Net weight = Gross weight – 15 % The conclusion is the same as in August : there is clearly more tonnage under the ground than in the past years. In all probability even too much, considering that the EU-5 acreage also increased by 3 % ! Since our last market report, the European record crop pushed prices further down. Today, the official Belgapom-quotation stands at 15 €/ton. One cold comfort : we can’t go down much more. |
| 29-08-2014 |
Market info more info less infoJust like every other year in week 35, we did test liftings of our ‘Bintje’- and ‘Fontane’-contracts. These are our results, together with those of the past 4 years : Bintje 35/+ 2010 : 39,6 tons/ha net weight 2011 : 51,0 tons/ha net weight 2012 : 38,1 tons/ha net weight 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight 2014 : 52,5 tons/ha net weight Fontane 35/+ 2010 : 44,8 tons/ha net weight 2011 : 58,2 tons/ha net weight 2012 : 40,6 tons/ha net weight 2013 : 44,1 tons/ha net weight 2014 : 59,2 tons/ha net weight There is clearly more tonnage under the ground than in the past years. Taking the considerable acreage increase in Western Europe into account (Belgium & France : + 6 % !!), we’re heading for a very large European potato crop – or maybe even too large a crop. In Germany, the biggest potato production since 2004 is being anticipated. France is even facing the biggest crop ever. Record crops give extremely low pricing. Today, the official Belgapom-quotation stands at a miserable 25 €/ton. Without any hope for improvement. |
| 11-07-2014 |
Market Info more info less infoUntil today, growing circumstances for potatoes in Western Europe have been splendid all through the season. An early spring, temperatures above average and regular rainfall made this year’s crop ready to use earlier than normal : positive for tonnages but damaging for the potato market, which even today still has to undo itself from old crop and Mediterranean earlies. The 1st official Belgapom-quotation of this season stands at only 5,00 €/100 kg, historically low for the start of a new potato year. Compared to 2013, the acreage increase for the EU-5 is estimated to be around 3 %. Per country, the expansion is as follows : Belgium : + 6,5 % France : + 3,5 % Netherlands : + 3,5 % Germany : + 3 % UK : - 2 % If no accidents occur, the surface increase and the constantly favorable weather will lead to a (too ?) large crop 2014. Price expectations for the coming campaign are therefore very meager. |
| 22-11-2013 |
Everybody is being sucked in by the growing potato industry more info less infoJan van Luchene, Bruwier Potatoes "We strive to convey an image of accuracy and reliability to growers when handling a deal and payment and I think that is what has helped us to continue growing. When we contract a grower we do not want to lose him through our manner of working. We want it to work well on both sides and that trust is valued by growers. Growth does differ per year. Naturally you want to grow, but that is not the case every year and depends on the harvest. The turnover in our branch doesn't always tell the full story. From a tonnage of 50,000, 35,000 is destined for processing. The remainder is export, but the export destinations change from year to year, dependant on successful or failed harvest and underlying prices. For example, take the Czech republic, we have delivered there for the last five seasons, but it is not a fixed line." Industry "Deliveries to processing grow every year. Belgium has really become industrialised and in the next decade I expect that to only increase. We, at Bruwier, have hung our cart on the processing industry and they have pulled us along. Everybody is pulled in by the growth in the Belgian potato industry. The only thing that hinders growth in processing is contract work. A large part of the sales contract is already fixed for the season. For both the factory and the grower contracts provide a guarantee, but for us traders, sat in between it is another matter, and not without risk because of the duty of delivery. If a crop fails it can be very expensive to go shopping and that makes things difficult." This aspect only hinders Jan a little at Bruwier Potatoes. "It is our deliberate choice to limit tonnage contracts with processing. It is purely a risk consideration. If our customers want to close more contracts with us at a fixed price, we do not say no, but there will be other requirements. There are no solid plans but the raw materials are there for growth, so what is not possible today may well be possible tomorrow."  The team from Bruwier "The use of fresh potatoes decreases every year and the processing section rises. We have followed this evolution," explained John. "We used to talk of shipments to Tunisia and Algeria, which came back every year, but that is no longer the case. The last decade has evolved and I see that continuing further. The whole sector has followed. For example, you see the contract prices getting better every year because more product is required by the sector for growth so people want to keep it interesting so the grower continues to supply potatoes."  No threat Is it a concern that the processing industry is increasing? "No, not for us. The situation 7 or 8 years ago as a trader was much more uncertain. This was due to the tendency for the processor to go directly to the grower and the trade was pushed aside. Every trader will then have been questioning their business. Whereas now, because of the greater need this doesn't always happen through just the grower or trader. It is a one on one story and that will not change in the future. In many cases growers prefer to work with the trade. If there is a quality problem, the trader will seek and find an alternative solution. For processors it's not that simple." Export "It is difficult to say how the season is going to run. There has been a lot of talk about a possible shortage and big prices, but I attach little credence to this. We see what is has come out of the ground and that is better than everybody expected. In September there was a serious growth spurt but everyone only seems to be thinking about the Summer figures and not considering September. There is a tendency for growers to give market information and I understand that, but they should give the right information and that does not always happen." For this season Jan expects several small customers for exports. "I don't expect to have any really large customers in between. What I do find dangerous about this season is that many believe there will be better prices in the New Year. There are potatoes in storage in West Europe and I think that few will be made available before the end of the calendar year. The packet is the same but the time is shorter. We exported some to Central Europe but not everything was taken. A portion was taken by our customers and put into refrigerated warehouses and will only be sold here when the market is better. That is perhaps more dangerous." |
| 08-10-2013 |
Market Info more info less infoAs predicted in our last market info, our last ‘Bintje’ test liftings in Belgium of 19 & 20 september approached 50 tons per hectare (net weight, 15 % tare) and continue to be better than in the last 2 years with disappointing production : Crop 2013 Crop 2012 Crop 2010 ‘Bintje 35/+’ 49,8 tons 40,8 tons 49,7 tons ‘Fontane 35/+’ 54,2 tons 45,9 tons 52,1 tons Size (50 MM/+) then stood at 75 % for Bintje and 78 % for Fontane. Plants were still a bit green and will have gained an additional bit of weight since then. Furthermore, potatoes show very little waste this year and dry matters are high. This season’s crop will offer very little loss to the industry when processed. Apart from Belgium, also Ireland, the U.K. and France are heading for a crop which is bigger than last season’s. In the Netherlands, the total yield which was long thought to be smaller than last year’s eventually turns out to be a crop 5 % bigger than in 2012. Spain maintains the status quo. In the middle of Europe, from north to south, there is a whole series of countries where total production will be lower than last year : Sweden – Finland – Lithuania – Poland – Czechia – Hungary – Italy – Romania – Bulgaria. Their drop in total production is predominantly due to an acreage decline. However, figures from some of these countries have to be taken with some reservations. Furthermore, the fall in Polish production mainly concerns potatoes which were intended for animal feed ; the part for human consumption stays relatively stable. The biggest “victims” are Germany (- 13 %, mainly in varieties for the fresh market) and Switzerland (- 30 %). Just like last year, producers expect prices to be higher later in the season and will give very little offer in October and November. The official Belgapom-quotation is at 12,50 €/100 kg already for some weeks now, but could very well go up in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, we do not believe in the forecasted prices of 20 €/100 kg and more for this year, but more in a market fluctuating between 10 and 15 €/100 kg.
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| 29-08-2013 |
Market info more info less infoSince our last market info of one month ago, new and more accurate acreage figures have again been published. For the EU-5, the acreage increase is now estimated to be around 2 %. For the 28 countries of the EU as a whole, the areal would go down by some 2,2 %. Per country, the expansion is now as follows : Germany : - 0,2 % Belgium : + 10,6 % Netherlands : + 3,2 % France : + 4 % UK : + 1 % Poland : - 5 % EU-28 : - 2,2 % The cold and wet spring caused a delay of the crops of about 2 to 3 weeks. The hot month of July and the dry month of August also didn’t offer good circumstances for an optimal production. As a consequence, crops never managed to do some catching-up. In general, Europe expects total production to be around or slightly below the average of the last 10 years. In July and August, Belgium and northern France received most of the rain in Western Europe. Our own test liftings in Belgium of 20 & 21 August showed that yields were better than in the last 2 years with disappointing production : Crop 2013 Crop 2012 Crop 2010 ‘Bintje 35/+’ 44,1 tons 38,1 tons 39,6 tons ‘Fontane 35/+’ 44,1 tons 40,6 tons 44,8 tons Also in size (50/+), our results were already very satisfactory : 69 % in Bintje and 76 % in Fontane. Plants still showed quite some potential and after the 20 mm of rain in the weekend of 25 August, potatoes will surely have gained quite a bit more weight. Our next test liftings of week 37 will undoubtedly give us yield figures of around 50 tons. Belgium is heading for a crop which will be better, both in yield and in size, than in our neighbouring countries. It is still a bit early for a reliable price forecast for this season, but given the figures in the previous paragraph, we do not believe in prices around 20 €/100 kg for this year.
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| 10-07-2013 |
Market information more info less infoSince our last market info, new and more accurate acreage figures have been published. For the EU-5, the acreage increase is still estimated to be around 4 %. Per country, the expansion is as follows : Germany : + 1 % Belgium : + 10 % Netherlands : + 5,6 % France : + 3 % UK : - 0,5 %
The figure for France still only refers to storage potatoes. In Poland, the potato acreage would shrink by some 5 %, but this only concerns potatoes for stock feed. The area of potatoes for human consumption remains unchanged. After the abundant rainfall, Western Europe now has 2 weeks of dry and sunny weather. Tuber growth will progress rapidly now. Our next update is scheduled for around 15 August.
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| 21-06-2013 |
Market informartion more info less infoThe current potato season 2012/2013 is as good as finished and that is why there is no more official ‘Belgapom’-quotation since last week. From now on, the full focus can go on the new season. For the EU-5, the acreage increase is estimated to be around 4 %. Per country, the expansion is as follows : Germany : + 1 % Belgium : + 10 % Netherlands : + 3 % France : + 3 % UK : + 2,5 % The area increase in Germany may already have been brought to nought because of the damage caused by the abundant rainfall and inundations. The figure for France only refers to storage potatoes. The considerable increase in Belgium is the result on the one side of the high prices of the ending season and on the other side of the significantly improved contract conditions for the coming season. If the figure is correct, it means that the Belgian potato producer has planted even more than in 2011, a record (and cheap) year. After 2 weeks of dry and sunny weather, Western Europe received sufficient rain in recent days, which will put growth at cruising speed. Today, potato field conditions are excellent.
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| 14-05-2013 |
Market info more info less infoBecause of winter lasting much longer than normal, plantings of the 2013 early crop in Western Europe fell behind by some 3 weeks, prolonging the current 2012/2013 season by a few weeks and having an upward effect on prices. In the 1st half of April, the official ‘Belgapom’-quotation went up from 20,00 €/100 kg to 25,00 €/100 kg and has been staying at this level until today. Given the very small remaining stocks of potatoes in Europe, we expect prices to maintain this level in the remainder of the season. In the meantime, all 2013 crop potatoes have been planted. Planting conditions were very good, the soil structure is good and if in the coming weeks, we can have a bit of rainfall, the start for the main crop can be regarded as OK. The first cautious acreage estimates show an increase in Belgium (5 %), France (2 %) and the Netherlands (1,5 %). In Germany, a slight acreage cutback (- 1,5 %) is expected. Nevertheless, these figures are still quite premature. To be continued …
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| 28-03-2013 |
Market info more info less infoSince our last market report, the demand for potatoes staid unchanged very poor and the official ‘Belgapom’-quotation fell back from 20,00 €/100 kg to 17,50 €/100 kg in these last 5 weeks. Quo vadis, potato market ? As a really good demand for potatoes fails to appear for 5 months now and as there are no signs of improvement to this situation, we tend to think that the market cannot hold this for much longer and that prices will continue to go down gradually … But the remaining quantity of potatoes in Europe is historically small, therefore we tend to think that prices may well stabilize at the current level … Winter persists however and plantings of the 2013 early crop in Western Europe start to have a considerable delay. As a result, we’ll have to continue with our (too) small old crop longer than was originally expected. So, we tend to think that very soon, prices may very well start to rise … Quo vadis, potato market ? To be honest : we haven’t got a clue. No one has.
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| 08-02-2013 |
Market information more info less infoThis season, the quantity of potatoes in Europe should be historically small and many countries in Southern and Eastern Europe would have a huge need for imports. We don’t doubt these figures, but in December and January, we didn’t notice a lot of those possible shortages in the trade. Since our last market report, the demand for potatoes has been very poor. The cold wave of early January kept prices at the same level, but since then, the official ‘Belgapom’-quotation fell to 20,00 €/100 kg. But also at these lower prices, demand doesn’t seem to revive. For the export market, Western Europa is simply too expensive. Only at prices below the market, a buyer can be found. The futures market for April 2013 fell back from 30 € to 22 € since December. And also the processing industry starts to feel the consequences of the high potato prices : fry sales outside Europe came to a standstill and stocks of finished products are piling up. For this reason, Belgium’s biggest processor will close down its 2 plants next week, a sign that the potato market may be living beyond its means. It sounds contradictory but a fall in prices may very well do a lot of good to the potato market …
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| 14-12-2012 |
Market Information more info less info
Due to the continuing adverse weather, not all potato fields were eventually lifted in Western Europe. The farmers who were hit now aim at lifting their potatoes in February and March of the next year, but this is more wishful thinking than rationality. If we consider the not lifted fields as lost, total production falls per country of the EU-5 are more or less as follows :
Completely in line with these figures, we are taking note ourselves in our producers’ network that compared to previous years, a lot less potatoes are in store this season. Moreover, a considerable part of these stocks are under contract. The free-buy part of Western European stocks is historically low for December. The official ‘Belgapom’-quotation has been around 23,50 €/100 kg for several weeks. Demand in the potato market has eased a bit for some time now and possibly, some players in the market may try and use this silence to get the market to a lower level. However, given the above stock figures, lower prices will most likely be simply ignored by potato producers and should not be expected before spring at the earliest.
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| 09-11-2012 |
Market info more info less infoThe potato campaign 2012 has been difficult throughout the whole season :
The continuing adverse weather affected growth all through the season and in the end slowed or prevented harvest. As a result, this year’s harvest in Western Europe is turning out to be below average and there are also a few quality problems. To this very day, the wet weather has been a cause of increasing concern in some countries because not all crops might be harvested in sound conditions for long-term storing. The heaviest and wettest land still remains to be lifted in the south west of Holland as well as in Flanders up to the Calais region. Dry weather is forecasted for the coming week, but the general opinion is that some 5 % of the potato land will remain lost. Also in the UK, there are fears that some potatoes will have to be abandoned. Combined with reduced area and reduced production, it means that the EU-5 has one of its smallest potato harvests since long. The official ‘Belgapom’-quotation stands at 25 €/100 kg for 2 weeks in a row now and will most likely fluctuate between 20 € and 25 € all through this season. One or a few short-term 30 € peaks should not even be excluded, even when it means that this high potato price weakens the European processors’ competitiveness in favor of the US. |
| 01-10-2012 |
Market info more info less infoThe figures for the new potato season are as good as set. Compared to 2011, there is a considerable fall in production in the EU-5 (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK) : Acreage EU-5 : - 5,8 % Yield/hectare EU-5 : - 9,2 % Total production EU-5 : - 14,5 % These figures can be regarded as final. Total production is smaller than the crop of the 2010/2011 season, the last expensive potato year. That this potato campaign will again be high-priced, is therefore a certainty, all the more true since : - tubers this year are smaller, meaning that more raw material will be needed to produce the same amount of potato products - the processing capacity of the West European industry since then expanded even more - Great Britain will have huge import needs Some even believe that for the first time in history, potato requirements of the EU-5 processing industry may exceed production ! After the long-awaited rain of last week, storage will step up the pace. The potato offer on the free market already starts to shrink and once everything is in store, potato farmers will not easily bring new offers onto the market. That the official Belgapom-quotation (which stands set at 15,00 €/100 kg for 6 weeks now) will go up in a very near future, is only a matter of time. |
| 16-08-2012 |
Market info more info less infoThe new potato season continues to present itself as very promising. According to the latest figures, the acreage in the EU-5 (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK) would be down by some 5,5 %, compared to last year. Eye-catcher is Germany with a drop of 8 %. Solely the French potato farmer sticks more or less to the same number of hectares and planted only 2 % less. The late planting date, the poor soil conditions, the (too) cold temperatures and the little sunshine until the beginning of August and the sometimes poor quality of the seed will undoubtedly result in smaller yields than in previous years. Compared to 2011, the overall crop for the EU-5 is expected to fall by some 11 %. Per country, the estimated fall in total production would be as follows : Germany : - 10,5 % UK : - 14,5 % Netherlands : - 7 % Belgium : - 15 % France : - 5 %
These figures are in sharp contrast with North America where the acreage increased by 5,5 % and where the total potato production is expected to be 8 % bigger. The European potato producer expects – rightly – better than average prices in the next 10 months. The high expectations can already be seen on the futures market, where the ’April 2013’ contract exceeded 20 € this week. Also the current early potato market reaps its benefits from it. Since 27/07/2012, the official Belgapom-quotation gained almost 50 % in value (!) and was put at 12,50 €/100 kg last Friday |
| 19-06-2012 |
Market info more info less infoAfter the short improvement at the beginning of May, the potato market is back in the doldrums. On 15/06/2012, the official Belgapom-quotation was put at a depressing 2,50 €/100 kg. Given the still abundant stocks and the very poor demand, a new market improvement should not be expected. On the other hand, the new season sounds quite promising. Spain reduced its acreage by 4%, the same figure goes for the UK. In Belgium, the area is down by 6%. In Poland, the acreage will shrink by 7%, which will give the country a record low harvest. Only in France does the acreage seem to stabilize. Growing conditions have not been ideal either : late plantings, poor soil conditions, (too) cold temperatures and little sunshine in Western Europe, periods of heatwave in Central- and Eastern Europe … Top yields for the next season can already be excluded.
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| 15-05-2012 |
Market info more info less infoThese last weeks, the potato market in Western Europe was predominantly determined by the weather. The cold and humid month of April changed the market circumstances completely : cold temperatures caused virtually no change in fields which are already planted ; abundant rain kept producers from resuming the planting. For the processing industry, it means they’ll have to run one more month on old crop raw material. As a consequence, prices for processing potatoes picked up quite firmly. Compared to last month, the official Belgapom-quotation almost doubled and was put at 4,50 €/100 kg on 11/05/2012. In normal years, plantings are finished by mid May. But end of last week, there still remained some 40 % of the main crop to be planted in Belgium ! Also in northern France and in Great Britain, delays of planting start to be considerable. Weather forecasts continue to predict unstable weather, it is therefore not at all excluded that we’re in for another old crop price increase. |
| 11-04-2012 |
Market info more info less infoOn the European potato market, the processing industry and the export market are still not showing any interest to buy additional quantities. As we predicted in our last market report, the official Belgapom-quotation has gone further down to stabilize at 2,50 €/100 kg, a price level which – in our opinion – will be maintained in the weeks to come. With the beautiful spring weather, plantings for next season run smoothly, meaning that the current season will not last any longer than normal. Next season promises to be better, if the first ware potato planting estimates are true. In the Netherlands and Germany, an acreage decrease of ± 4 % is being expected, in Spain 2 %. In the East of the UK, the reduction of the ware area is said to go down by 5 to 8 %, this because of the current poor water reserves after the abnormally dry winter.
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| 21-03-2012 |
Market info more info less infoThe European potato market remains seriously ill. Neither the industry, nor the export need to buy at present. Against all expectations, February’s cold wave did not create any demand from Eastern Europe. And it gets worse : with the current spring weather, producers started preparing the land for next year’s potato campaign, meaning that the current season will most likely not last longer than normal. What we feared and predicted at the end of February proved to be true : the potato price again has gone down a bit more. On 16/03/2012, the official Belgapom-quotation stood at no more than 2,75 €/100 kg. For this Friday (23/03/2012), we expect the quotation to be only 2,50 €/100 kg. Let’s look at it on the bright side : we can’t go down a lot more.
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| 29-02-2012 |
Market info more info less infoOne month has passed and the potato market in Europe remains unchanged : quiet quiet quiet. Because of the continuing all but absent demand from processors and the export market, the official Belgapom-quotation has gone under the 4 € level. On 24/02/2012, it stood at a poor 3,75 €/100 kg. Like every year in February, potato stocks were evaluated in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Compared to February of last year, stock figures are well up :
And the story gets even more worrying : the stock surplus almost entirely consists of free-buy potatoes, i.e. which are still to be sold. Back to our quotation : can it go down even more ? The answer is a clear YES ! |
| 31-01-2012 |
Market info more info less infoOur fear of 2 weeks ago that the potato market might go down more, has become reality. The official Belgapom-quotation went down for the 3rd consecutive week and stood at 4,00 €/100 kg on 27/01/2012. Despite the lower price, we’re still singing the same old song : no demand from the processing industry, which runs solely on contracts and no demand for exports. The current cold wave causes a market stabilization and – perhaps – in the short term an improvement of the demand. But we seriously have our doubts on whether it will also lead to a price improvement. |
| 17-01-2012 |
Market info more info less infoThe Western European potato market continues to be quiet. Processors are still only running on contract supplies and are barely buying potatoes on the free market. For exports the same story : transactions are as good as non-existent. With all the informations we’re receiving as exporters ourselves, we seriously start to ask ourselves the question whether exports will ever start in this season. After the price increase of December (an increase realized regardless of the fact that demand was almost zero), the market now seems to be stabilizing. The official Belgapom-quotation went down by 0,25 € and stood at 4,75 €/100 kg on 13/01/2012. Without an improvement of current demand, it cannot be excluded that the potato price will continue to go down. Only the better quality tubers for the fresh market will then be able to maintain their price level. |
